Maybe you’ve wondered, “What's the difference between body lotion and body cream?” The truth is, they’re more like cousins than twins. Both body cream and body lotion help hydrate skin, but they have key differences—from their textures to their ingredients.
So, which one is best for you? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the difference between lotion and cream, including which to use on certain areas of the body, the best for each skin type, and whether you should try lotion or cream for dry skin.
What Is Body Cream?
Body cream is a thick moisturizer for dry skin that forms a barrier to help lock in hydration. This means it’s a great choice for dry skin. It has a creamy texture thanks to a high concentration of emollient oils and butters. If you need a universally-loved body cream, look no further than our Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream. It’s made with cupuaçu butter—an ingredient that’s rich in fatty acids—and plant squalane which locks in moisture.
The benefits of body cream don’t end with hydration. Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream, for instance, helps visibly firm and tighten with caffeine-rich guaraná extract. In our Beija Flor Elasti-Cream™, cacay oil—a gentle retinol alternative. Our Bom Dia Bright™ Body Cream, on the other hand, is enriched with fruit AHAs that gently exfoliate to smooth skin texture. So many options! And did we mention they all have deliciously different fragrances, too?
What Is Body Lotion?
So is body cream lotion? Not exactly—even though they do sound similar. Body lotion is a more lightweight moisturizer that is higher in water content. These qualities help it absorb into the skin quickly. As a result, it’s a great choice for normal to oily skin types. Lotions are often enriched with humectant ingredients that attract water like hyaluronic acid.
If you’re looking for the best lotion for everyday use, you’ll love our new Body Badalada™ Vitamin-Infused Lotion––packed with hyaluronic acid, Brazilian sugarcane, Brazil nut oil, and cactus pear extract to weightlessly hydrate skin up to 24 hours.* Not only is it fast-absorbing and non-sticky, but it also features our iconic Cheirosa 62™ fragrance to make it all the more obsession-worthy.
Body Cream Vs. Lotion Differences
Now that you’ve read up on body lotion vs. cream benefits, here’s a quick and easy recap of the differences.
Body Cream:
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Key ingredients are oils and butters to lock in moisture
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Thicker, richer texture
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Ideal for dry skin types
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Best to apply before bed so it can absorb overnight
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Great to use in your winter routine
Body Lotion:
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Key ingredients are hydrating humectants to draw in hydration
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Lightweight texture
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Ideal for oily and normal skin types
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Best to apply in the morning since it absorbs quickly
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Great to use in your summer routine
What Type of Moisturizer Should You Use on Your Face?
Maybe you’re wondering: can you use body lotion on the face? Not so much. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than your skin from the neck down. So, no matter how much you love your body lotion or cream, it’s generally recommended that you use a moisturizer that’s specifically made for facial use. As for what is the best facial moisturizer for your skin, we recommend speaking to your dermatologist or facialist for their personalized picks.
The Best Body Moisturizer for Every Skin Type
Not sure which type of body moisturizer you should incorporate into your routine? We’ve got you. Here’s our starting lineup for every skin type.
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Dry skin: The best moisturizer for dry skin is thick and rich with nourishing ingredients––like our Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream or Delícia Drench™ Body Butter.
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Oily skin: We recommend a special body lotion for oily skin, like our lightweight Body Badalada™ Lotion with hydrating hyaluronic acid.
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Sensitive skin: Go for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula when looking for a sensitive skin moisturizer.
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Combination skin: Try using a light lotion for your arms and legs, and a body cream for elbows and knees to cover varying levels of dryness all over the body.
What Are the Best-Smelling Body Creams?
Fans of Sol de Janeiro body moisturizers will tell you that the obsession-worthy scents are one of the top reasons to use them. Even better? They all pair back to our Perfume Mist, so you can layer your favorite fragrance.
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Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream features the iconic Cheirosa 62™, with notes of pistachio, and salted caramel.
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Bom Dia Bright™ Body Cream features Cheirosa 40, with notes of black amber plum and jasmine blooms.
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Beija Flor Elasti-Cream™ features Cheirosa 68, with notes of Brazilian jasmine and pink dragonfruit.
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Delícia Drench™ Body Butter features Cheirosa 59, with notes of vanilla orchid and sheer sandalwood.
FAQS
Is body cream better than body lotion?
It depends on what you’re looking for! Body cream and body lotion both moisturize the skin, but they serve different needs in your body care routine. As a rule of thumb: If you have dry skin and are looking for something a bit richer, go for a body cream. If you want something more lightweight or have oily skin, choose a lotion.
Can body cream replace lotion in my routine?
If you have dry skin that needs deeper hydration, then yes, you can use body cream instead of lotion. Or, you can use both in your routine by applying body cream at night and body lotion in the morning.
Does lotion or body cream last longer?
In general, body cream is longer lasting as it has a thicker consistency that creates a stronger barrier on the skin. That being said, don’t count out the hydration benefits of Body Badalada™ Lotion, which offers 24-hour weightless hydration.*
Is lotion or body cream more effective?
Again, this depends on your skin’s needs. If you’re looking for deep moisture, then you may want to use a body cream. However, body lotions like Body Badalada™ still offer hydration benefits and are great to use when you want something more lightweight and fast absorbing.
What is better to use in winter vs. summer?
A lotion is often the better choice in summer, when richer creams can feel heavy on the skin. On the other hand, dry, cold air tends to zap moisture, so a body cream is often the better choice in winter. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, so you can’t go wrong with either choice!
*1Based on a 24hr clinical study with 30 participants comparing untreated vs treated skin.
